Beginners: Upgrade to this alto mouthpiece | best under $200!

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

I hope you find this helpful. Check out our 14 Day Sax School trial here: saxschoolonline.com/courses/

[@hansmathiasthjomoe4817]

You can get a mouthpiece from 5 USD to 175 USD. It cant be that expensive to make a larger tip opening or a larger bore. And metal instead of plastic can’t cost much. This must be a candidate for trickery. I have startet on the tenor 8 years after a long time on the clarinet. I found the Otto Link NY 7* and Legere #2. Thank you for your excellent videos both in the presentation and in the subjects chosen.

[@barisaxx4493]

The real gem is that demo piece you are playing and the colors you put in to it. More evidence that the player makes the biggest difference. You sound fantastic.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Thanks!

[@zvonimirtosic6171]

Often overlooked options are: Yamaha 5C, 6C and 7C. Same construction as 4C, but more open, and offer more expressive freedom and dynamics. Same basic price as 4C. Also, from Yamaha, is the Yamaha Custom mouthpiece: 4CM, 5CM, 6CM, 7CM. Made from real rubber, hand finished in Japan. And yes, way less than $200.

[@pimpovic2]

I bought a Meyer 5M when I bought my Yanagisawa A990 in 1996. I love that mouthpiece, and it's just "my" sound. Don't know how else to put it. In the last few years I've picked up Meyer New York 6M and a WCW 56 and they're great fun with the right reeds. Bottom line for me, is to play with the combo until you're happy with the sound. Both a reed and ligature can change the sound so much that you can tailor a mouthpiece to suit your liking if it blows the way you like.

[@ZaleAway]

I was thinking of upgrading my mouthpiece (I currently use a Yamaha 4c) and after hearing how you play on the 4C I’ve realised I need to spend more time practicing instead of upgrading 😂

[@pickle1472]

Same here

[@marketinghotela]

Same

[@Iatergator]

Ditto 🤭

[@yvesgagnon9643]

I own a tenor and an alto. I upgraded my tenor mouthpiece from a Yamaha 4C to a Jody Jazz HR*6 and I love it. A few weeks later, I deceided to upgrade my alto mouthpiece from a Yamaha 5C to an HR*6. I played it for 3 weeks and it was just to difficult, it requires a lot of air. I was able to return it and change it for an HR*5. It makes all the difference. Thanks for the advice Nigel.

[@RoyceWhiteOfficial]

Been using a Meyer 7M and a 6M for the past 50 years. Been wanting to try a NY 5M. THink I will now. The older I get, the harder it is to have enough air to push the 7M. But I love it.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Brilliant. I’m finding smaller mouthpieces work better for me as I’m getting older too.

[@johntruitt4099]

To my ear the Meyer is the way to go. No contest!

[@maryc6173]

Thrilled that you’ve answered all of my current questions. I love my Selmer C* which I’ve played on since 1965 with a beautiful and dark sound. I agree, I prefer the Vandoren 3 cane with the C*, especially if I were soloing on some serious classical pieces. For community band I’ve been using the Legere 2.25 or 2.50. I appreciate your prior review on the Legere as I’ve recently lost a lot of my eyesight. I’m able to put the reed on at home under a special light then go to rehearsal/gig. I also play big band, jazz and theatre. I switch to my Meyer 5 for big band and jazz but have never been happy with it. I’m going to spend a lot of time with the Meyer 5 and see if I can get the sound I want as you suggest at the end of this video. If that doesn’t work, I may go on to the Yanagisawa. Thanks so much. You’ve encouraged me.

[@hassebarrefors1612]

I got a Yamaha 4C with the YAS480 alto sax I bought a couple of years ago. I decided to upgrade to a Yamaha 6C and had a bit of a struggle before I was comfortable with it, then loved it. I checked out the six questions at Jody Jazz and following their recommendations and got a HR* Custom Dark… I’m totally in love with it and I’m not likely to try any other mouthpiece any time soon.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

that Custom Dark is a lovely mouthpiece (one of my favourites)

[@graemeelliott4147]

The Meyer 6M is my go to but I also use a Vandoren AL4 for classical and a Jody Jazz DV7 for fusion. Reeds are in the 2.5 to 3 region.

[@davidburckhardt7672]

Someone sounding like you on a 4C definitely has some good skills on saxophone ! 😊 By the way, the 5-7C options are also convenient step-ups. I’m sometimes using a 7C on alto as a good working tool for embouchure.

[@dennisd2531]

Just upgraded from the 4C to the HR* 6M and still getting used to it but it's much brighter a d louder tha the 4C...its great

[@fabianb2510]

Hey! I also have a YAS62 purple logo, but the jody jazz HR is not working with my sax. The pitch is too low and i`m in the limit of the position in the neck. Maybe you have a solution for my problem, thank you

[@toddtoney]

Got my Meyer 5M in 1975 for $32 when I was in 9th grade. I bought a Jody Jazz HR* about 5 years ago. I love them both.

[@ichbinmartin]

We started to play on ebonite Yanagisawa 6, then we changed it to Meyer 6, because Yanagisawa was difficult to blow. But I did not played on alto few years, because I jumped to tenor. If I can compare thru notebook loudspeakers, your metal Yanagisawa was very similar to Jody Jazz, both were great.

[@ChipTheMusicMan]

Interesting comparison, Nigel. Just a note, while you're playing the HR* you're showing off the Meyer! Also - I used to play an HR* but found that it was too free-blowing (difficult to control) and I ended up selling it and getting a Morgan NY Jazz that I love. I don't hear people talking about the mouthpiece's resistance very often so I'm just mentioning it...some are more free-blowing than others and that works more for some people than others. It's a preference thing...the Jody Jazz pieces are great options nonetheless.

[@Iatergator]

Great final thoughts summary. So helpful. Thank you.

[@johna6648]

I use the Meyer 5M with a Legere 2.5 reed. Easy to play and sound good for a new beginner.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cool. Glad you like the Meyer. That’s a nice combo!

[@johna6648]

I use the Meyer and really like it. Can’t use the Jody Jazz Power Ring with it though…

[@Kenonharp]

For Alto (Tenor is still in development) the Theo Wanne Water MPC is another excellent upgrade. I got mine for about 50% off on the current sale, so under $100USD! Great for the full range of both Jazz and Classical.

[@frankzona5459]

I have the Theo Wanne Water mpc as well. it's a very very versatile mpc. You're right for $100US it should be considered.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Thanks for that Ken - I haven’t checked that out from Theo. I do really like his mouthpieces (I am a Theo Wanne artist)

[@Kenonharp]

@@McGillMusicSaxSchool The other bonus is that the Theo Wanne ones work wonderfully with Legere reeds. It is a perfect match for my favorite American Cut reed.

[@bobblues1158]

My choice absolutely would be the Meyer! Very interesting comparison!

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cheers Bob.

[@lorellindstrom1871]

Nigel, I was very excited when I saw the topic of this video. I was playing a Yamaha 5 st the time. I couldn't believe you were comparing the Meyerr 5mm and the Jody Jazz mouthpiece, which I obsessed about for about 3 weeks before I could decide which one to get. Unfortunately the local shop didn't have the Meyer, but I tried several others when I tried the Jody Jazz HR Star with the 5 tip opening. I love it, but it took me it over a month to get used to the embouchure and the breath control to get rid of the squeaks. I also used a less strong reed.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

You’ve made a good choice there Lorel, any mouthpiece will take a while to get used to and you also need to experiment to find the right reed too.

[@DynamixWarePro]

I had a 4C and I didn't play on it long and moved to a Meyer 6M but at the time I was 6-7 months into playing and it was too open. I switched to a Selmer S80 C** then tried a JodyJazz HR* 7M, 6M, 5M and I now have a HR* 5M and C* for alto and I like how free blowing they are, but the HR* material felt a bit harder in my mouth than Selmer so it took me a little while to get used to it but when I did, I liked it but maybe a bit bright sometimes so I might try another Meyer in the future. I had a Selmer Soloist E and I liked it, especially with Legere American Cut reeds but the only reason I sold it was that I always found low notes a little too resistant on it.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Wow that’s quite a journey Dave!

[@marcbohets6671]

Recently I wanted to upgrade my stock yani 5 baritone mouthpiece. I found a webshop (Thomann) that allows you to test things for 2 - 4 weeks, if you return things within 2 weeks, returning is free, if you return before 4 weeks, you pay transportation costs. So i ordered 5 mpcs, Otto Link metal 7, Meyer hard rubber 7, Jody Jazz HR* 6 and 7, and a Berg Larsen Bari. Sax Grained Ebonite 110. For me the Jody Jazz HR* 7 gave me a nice dark sound, and the Berg Larsen a bright loud punchy sound, and to my surprise they were easy to play with the same reed (Legere 2.75) I used on my Yani 5 hard rubber stock mouthpiece. I guess I was due for a harder reed on that one, because the more I played it, the worse it started to sound. I found the Otto Link and Meyer much more difficult to play, so I returned those and kept the Jody Jazz HR* and the Berg Larsen. Being able to try them out for a longer time is really much more interesting than a quick play test in a music shop.

[@thelookingcat]

I use the Bettersax burnin for jazz and whatever came with the bettersax alto for everything else, even for practicing jazz at home without as much volume.

[@marcuskhosravi9920]

I have 3 of these mouthpieces. Meyer 5m, Selmer C* and Yanagasawi metal #5. Also a Selmer Larry Teal.

[@michaeldonofrio1921]

The Meyer wins for me. And don't forget that Phil Woods also played a Meyer 5M!

[@royharrison9471]

As always, Nigel, thank you for an informative and interesting video. I thought you ought to know that while you are playing the Jody Jazz, you are showing a close-up of the Meyer.

[@jeffreyharder6732]

I’ve been playing with my 4C from day one I’m a beginner and looking to upgrade for Curiosity it’s a great mouth piece

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cool, hope this helps you decide Jeffrey.

[@jeffmccormack2265]

I tried the Yamaha 5C and didn't care for it much. Maybe the 4C would have been a better choice. I like the vintage Wood wind Co Vito II much better, and then moved onto to a Selmer S-80C*, but took a chance on upgrading to Vandoren AL3 Optima SM711. I found the later to have a nicer tone, and seemingly easier to play. It is now my favorite. Generally I use these with Legere American Cut 2.0

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cool, glad you found the right piece Jeff.

[@marshallbradshaw969]

Always been a fan of Meyer style mouthpieces but have run into problems in the past with quality of those coming from Meyer - uneven rails, etc. I've had friends who sent their older Meyers in for refacing to fix the problems. So unless they have greatly improved their quality control in the past few years I would be hesitant. I curreny play a TW NY Meyer and love it. Even though it is on the cheaper end for a TW, it is still above the $200 limit. My experience with all the other brands you played has been the opposite - very consistent and good quality mouthpieces. I'm surprised no one talks about Vandoran. My experience with them is that they also are very good/consistent quality for a good price. When I was younger it seemed sax teachers always recommended either the C* or the Vandoran Optimum (both classical pieces) for the next step up, though Vandoran has many other options for those wanting to play in different styles.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Thanks Marshall, interesting to about your experience with Meyer consistency. I’d like to try the TW NY Meyer, that might be a great alternative.

[@slc7156]

What are your thoughts about a Selmer Paris Concept soprano sax mouthpiece? I have been using this Selmer mouthpiece after restarting playing sax after several decades.

[@weedguys2384]

Wow the Meyer was killer. Clean.

[@gluskino9397]

Hi Nigel. Brilliant video you made showcasing these excellent mouthpieces. What is it you were playing in the sound-test demos of each of the mouthpieces? It sounded absolutely fantastic. Was it improvised or an actual piece?

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Thanks. Oh that was just something I made up for the video that kind of includes a hunch of different playing styles. Glad you liked it!

[@normansuchorzewski1026]

I bought the Selmer Alto Sax Claude Delangle mouthpiece. An interesting one, that I like.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

That’s another mouthpiece I really want to check out Norman.

[@cmacdhon]

Nigel, I suspect you could make it sound good with a rolled up piece of cardboard instead of a mouth piece! 🙂 I just purchased the Jody Jazz, as I have been struggling a bit with the stock mouthpiece. Thank you for another brilliant video.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Ha! Cheers - I’m glad you found the video helpful.

[@hansmathiasthjomoe4817]

Nigel’s videos are excellent. But regarding the mouthpiece issue, he might have been a little more critical. The word “stock” seems to be associated with bad quality. I also see that many players are refacing the mouthpiece. From what to what? Are there some common criteria that might be relevant for us all? All I can rephrase what Stan Gets should have said about reeds:”The all sucks so I’m buying the cheapest”.

[@brucesmith3740]

people often say that material doesnt matter. And yet, you have shown again metal sounds different than rubber or plastic. metal sounds faster, brighter, louder.

[@Labriction]

My stock mouthpiece is more expensive than the 4c, and i kneo that more expensive doesnt always mean better, but i just want your thoughts on thsi

[@ekaufman4800]

Nigel, why does the video keep showing the Meyer while you are playing the HR?

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Yeah, sorry - our mistake in the edit. You’ll have to use your imagination about the HR!

[@konkon0330]

😂😂😂

[@julielv5300]

Meyer sounded great... after trying out many mouthpieces, the Meyer 6M surprised me and that's what I bought. If you can try before you buy, it's the way to go.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cool. To be honest it surprised me too Julie.

[@rickharvey9]

When you were playing the Jody Jazz HR* the picture showed the Meyer

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Yeah I realised that today as I watched the Premier! Doh!!!!!

[@SaxSith]

I got me a vandoren v16 5 s. It’s the best!

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Nice!

[@ph2738]

Hey, I have a Selmer C* for alto that I got back in the 60s that is metal.

[@richardstover8282]

I believe you sounded best on the Meyer. I used to play on a Meyer, but switched to a Selmer Super sessions mouthpiece. It’s an individual preference, each to their own.

[@vncstudio]

Otto Link Tone Edge is also good.

[@thjs]

got a meyer 7 small chamber years back. (btw that metal yanagisawa sounds great)

[@davidbrandt662]

Yamaha 4 c came with my sax. Very easy mouth piece to learn on.

[@TimHoundDog]

I used to play a meyer. My fav was a berg hard rubber but I lost it years ago. I have no idea what size it was. I liked that yani. I currently have a old chrome dukoff that is wide open. But its tough for me to play on it these days.

[@wojciechkordas9957]

What do you take for the tenor saxophone? Which kind of mouthpiece?

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

In this price range the Jody Jazz HR* is a good choice if you like a brighter sound.

[@frank-de-bakker]

In your youtube film you speak about the Selmer C and you have it for 20 years. Do you mean the Selmer Soloist C*?

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Great question - actually mine is an S80 I think but these days they also do a Soloist. Both lovely. The size I have is C*. Hope that helps.

[@frank-de-bakker]

I want to upgrade my Yamaha 4c. I hesitate between a Selmer Soloist C* and the Meyer 5M. I find the Selmer very nice and warm in tone. But Selmer is generally known for being classically oriented. I don't play classical, but more jazz, pop, lounge and contemporary music. I think the Meyer has the possibility to play a bit louder and brighter. I only play at home with play-along and study for my lessons. In addition, I occasionally look for a viaduct or garage to play outside with background music. Which mouthpiece would you recommend? Which one is more allround?

[@Rabittsfoot1]

@ 6:15 in the video when you were playing the JJ HR* you were showing the Myer ? The myer is more colorful and darker

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Yeah, sorry about that. I realised once the video was out. Sorry. (I had some nice footage of the HR* to show you too!)

[@Rabittsfoot1]

@@McGillMusicSaxSchool Great content none the less

[@johnwhyte-venables2167]

Very nice. I've had several JJ HR*s (keep selling them), then a PhilTone Orion, several SYOS and even a Windy City Woodwind. Then I stumbled on a secondhand Jody Jazz/ Better Sax Burnin' 5. Wow. THE most astonishing range of sounds from shrill funk to warm n cuddly ballads. And the notes just fall out from Bb to F#, even on an Eastar alto that cost me me £180 NEW!! OK the Burnin' is around £50 over the budget limit, but - so cool. I'm not going anywhere else for a long time now.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cool. Glad you like that one John. I haven’t tried it yet.

[@dillp671]

Thank you so much. It's very helpful!

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

You’re welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@randyfocht737]

I used to have an old Meyer...very open wide baffle jazzy mouthpiece for soprano sax which I loved. Unfortunately, my sax fell, and broke the mouthpiece. At that time, the Meyer company was sold and the new Meyers were not good...that was 10-15 years ago. I have no idea what the current Meyer sop. mouthpiece is like. Do you have any video comparing the Sop. sax Meyer with Jody Jazz? (I currently use Berg Larsen 7 which is good but not as jazzy, bright and expressive as the old Meyer was. I used to love Queen reeds)

[@puntila8]

Another very nice video! Very informative! Many many thanks! I do just started using Soloist and I get some squeaky notes on high notes, may be thats the placement of the reed. I have Meyer 5mm and I find decent. I also use Vandoren SM811S+ V16 and that one I like. Need to try many reed combinations. It's a process. Thanks again!

[@hansmathiasthjomoe4817]

Here are other questions: 1. Is there a relationship between price and formance? 2. What does it mean that a mouthpiece is “upgraded”? If a producer comes up with a mouthpiece that’s preferred by many, how much does it take to take a piece of hard rubber and make a copy (or print it)?

[@zvonimirtosic6171]

Usually, a mouthpiece that comes with a student saxophone is made from plastic, with a small opening and a small chamber. It suits the students to get used to the conical instrument (saxophone), which can take as much air as one offers it. But in the beginning, it is difficult to play nicely and control the breath and air stream form top to bottom of the saxophone. An upgrade simply means offering a mouthpiece with more resonant material, and more open tip; for more air to go through, and more harmonics in the sound.

[@vadimzarkhine2252]

I can hardly hear any difference when presented like that. All the commenters must have much finer ear than me :) You sound like you. There are minor expected variances, Jody Jazz is a bit brighter. Yamaha and Meyer are just the same, slightly darker. This actually replicates my own testing, Yamaha and Mayer sounded the same when I tested. Granted, there might be difference in response and how you as a player feel when playing, but not in how it sounds on these recordings... Reminded me my childhood when all the kids were comparing cassette players claiming the difference, which I could not hear, but all these non musicians could. It is definitely good for the economy when people buy expensive mouthpieces.

[@amec4385]

I have a Meyer Richie cole and love it! What do you think of that model?

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

I haven’t tried that but would like to. Live Richie Cole’s sound.

[@davidanand2407]

I have bought the G By Meyer mouthpiece , for this mouthpiece what reed shoul I use ?

[@johnauditt]

Nigel, while you were playing the Jody Jazz HR* you were showing the Meyer.

[@tpark89]

wooooo Meyer sings!

[@silverkinjal]

Do like the selmer c . Moody and rich

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cool. Yes it does have a lovely sound.

[@feedflo]

I love the selmer.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Cool.

[@jmix1of1]

CAN YOU USE THE MOUTH PIECE ON A TENOR SAXOPHONE

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Great question Jesse - I think all of these would make great tenor choices too.

[@labellefleur460]

What about the rico M7?

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Sure, that’s another to consider.

[@labellefleur460]

@McGillMusicSaxSchool do you know the difference between the rico M7 and the yamaha 4c? I had a 4c yamaha it broke but it was easy for me to play with. I'm not sure if I should get the rico since the yamaha price went up

[@MarekZpe3n]

Hi you have a mistake in your edit, when you were playing Jody Jazz, you shown us Meyer moouthpiece.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Oh sorry! Thanks for letting me know.

[@robstevens9590]

The Yamaha 4C sounded a bit thin, compared to the other mouthpieces. I have been playing alto for years & I use Otto Link Tone Edge 7, and I like the sound I get. I recently started playing soprano and have a Yamaha 4C, which is consistent, but I am looking for a mouthpiece that will give a darker more "oboe-like" sound. Any suggestions?

[@Ugo392]

jody jazz custom dark or theo wanne ambika but they are a bit pricey

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Hey Rob. A more classical piece might be the right choice for you on soprano. I’d check out the Selmer C (or Selmer D) hard rubber. It’s a more round sound than the Custom Dark or Ambika and easier to control on soprano.

[@rickharvey9]

I use an Ottolink 5* hard rubber. Any comments?

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

That’s another fantastic “classic choice” mouthpiece. They’re great Rick and very versatile.

[@rickharvey9]

@@McGillMusicSaxSchool thank you

[@deniswilson4549]

Thanks for taking the time and being so honest with your different mouthpieces. Definitely the Meyer 5m

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Interesting, thanks for letting me know Denis.

[@reubenjegede8785]

Wonderful yamaha 4c!

[@ekaufman4800]

I'm playing a Vandoren AP3, after trying the Meyer, HR and Yanigasawa 4. Have you tried this MP? What did you think?

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

I haven’t tried that one.

[@abrogard142]

I can't tell the difference as presented like that. Now if you recorded and then edited and played short takes one after the other then I'd maybe have a chance. Cut out all the reed changing and blah and just play this one a short while, that one, then next one. And when I say 'short while' I mean like a few things. Suggestions: One notes, long notes: Here's Bb , long note, then octave, then next octave. Then the next MP doing it. Then the next. Triads: Here's C maj, two octaves say. Same with next MP. Same with next. Longer arpeggios. Scale runs. i.e. chromatic. Then perhaps a few chosen 'licks' or phrases which you think perfectly demonstrate the 'change of colour' you're claiming you can get of these other MP's.. Notes, chords, runs, phrases. One MP after the other. Perhaps even get technical if you like show the Audacity wave form. I dunno, it might be different for different MP's. I think I'll try that out with what I've got. But anyway, this is all very interesting but it got me nowhere. Because I can't hear it. :)

[@unclemick-synths]

The 4C came with my YAS62. I bought the Meyer 5M at the same time but it took a while before it became my main mouthpiece. Recently I bought a Rico A7 to try. It was an Amazon return for $20 so no big deal if I hated it. I do like the darker sound but my embouchure is still acclimatizing to it so I haven't formed an opinion. Time will tell if I like it enough to invest in a better mouthpiece of that type. I like a rough reedy tone and the A7 seems to work with the Rico orange box reeds (I'm happy to pick through and adjust the gems that more refined brands reject).

[@vicentesernam]

Is it just me or do all the mouthpieces have a very similar sound? It surprises me because I've played many mouthpieces, including obviously the Yamaha 4c, and not even in a dream would I have gotten that sound... in fact, I don't know anyone who has gotten that sound so brilliant that it doesn't make sense live... so it makes me suspect a little that the sound is so retouched that it deceives reality... If you are a newbie, don't buy that cheap mouthpiece expecting to have that squeaky sound because it is practically impossible.

[@reubenjegede8785]

Joy more sphisticated

[@boomer3917]

I like my Meyers GS7 mouthpiece and use it all of the time. LaVoz med./soft reed and a Legere signature 2.5 are the reeds I like to use most of the time .

[@inflatedear7131]

Cannonball played a Meyer M5 'nuff said.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

I hear you. We all have different shaped mouths though.